Since 2008 we have assisted more than 80 asylum seekers. Many cases are still pending but 24 have been granted asylum. We support asylum seekers until they get a work permit and can support themselves. We are currently supporting 10 in Worcester.

LGBT Asylum seekers need our help!

Did You Know...

There are laws against homosexuality in 87 88 countries around the world?
In 72 countries, you could be imprisoned if you are part of the LGBT community?
In 7 of those countries, the punishment is the death penalty?
In some of those countries "corrective rape" is common and sometimes committed by government officials?

Fortunately, There is Help

The LGBT Asylum
Support Task Force is a group of dedicated volunteers in Central Massachusetts who provide
support those who are seeking political asylum in the U.S. based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. As of October 2014, the Task Force has helped more than 80 individuals.

Asylum seekers are vulnerable and traumatized individuals
who have fled to the U.S. in fear of being killed or harmed in their countries of origin due
to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The violence resulting from homophobia and
anti-homosexuality laws in many countries in the world is rampant.

Because most asylum seekers are not permitted to work
during their legal process, they do not have the means to support themselves. They often
arrive in the U.S. with nothing but the clothes on their backs having used all of their
resources getting here. Moreover, they remain particularly isolated because frequently they
cannot turn to people from their own country in the U.S. for assistance or support as it is their fellow countrymen from whom they are fleeing.

The volunteers of LGBT Asylum Support Task Force contribute to the financial, housing, social, and spiritual needs of asylum seekers in many ways:

raising money to help pay rent and bills,
recruiting volunteers to host asylum seekers to live in their homes,
donating clothing, toiletries, and household items,
driving them to appointments, and
providing a safe and supportive social environment.

This is often the first time they have been able to publicly express their sexual
orientation and it is incredibly empowering. For many, this is the first time they have been
able to witness same sex couples and families living normal everyday lives and it gives them
great hope for their futures.

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Sean's Story

"Jamaica land of beauty we promise faithfully to serve thee with our talents and
bring our gifts to thee." This was one of Jamaica's first national anthems, but I
never felt as if I was able to bring my gifts to my country of birth. In Jamaica I could be
killed, jailed, attacked by a homophobic mob, just because I'm gay. Let me tell you my
story.